Dry soybeans are easy to store. Right? Maybe not. Last week, we received a report of a bin of soybeans sweating, with moisture dripping from the roof and running down the bin sides. As we notified a couple of grain buyers of the challenge, they too were aware of several similar issues. Not good anytime, but especially when beans are $10, $11 and higher.

Everyone we have talked to said that Mother Nature provided the best harvest weather in memory. Area farmers raced through harvest with above normal temperatures and windy conditions, trying to combine soybeans and corn before grain moistures dipped below optimal harvest and marketing moistures. Now one can argue that ideal moistures may vary significantly depending on potential crop lodging, shatter loss, weather conditions and forecasts, drying capabilities, propane cost and so on. However, in 2010, it was challenging to take in either crop fast enough to bin grain or haul it to town at ideal moistures.

Many reveled in the fact that little or no propane was needed for drying purposes versus spending up to 25 bushels of corn per acre for gas in 2009. Although grain may not have needed to be dried, it did require cooling when harvested; particularly when the daytime temperatures were in the upper 80’s and higher. 

We heard of many soybean fields being harvested at 10 percent and less moisture on hot, dry and windy days.

Most folks think of soybeans as easy to store, with little or no ventilation needed. However if extra dry beans are binned when outside temperatures are 85 degrees Fahrenheit, a prime condensation scenario is set up when outside temperatures dip into the 40s and below.

Farmers are more likely to track grain condition in corn bins. But they may be lulled into thinking that if they do not have to dry corn, is much aeration necessary? Keep in mind, more stored grain goes out of condition because temperatures are not controlled than for any other reason. 

Since grain is a good insulator, it does not cool uniformly as outside temperatures drop. Air near the bin wall cools and settles toward the bin bottom, creating a convection current.
The air then rises up through the warm grain picking up moisture in the form of water vapor. The air continues to move towards cooler grain near the surface, where the moisture condenses and can cause spoilage.

The most common location of wet or spoiled grain is at the center top of the bin. Another location for storage problem symptoms is the grain near the bin wall, often the colder north wall.

Want to know more? The Grain Drying, Handling and Storage Handbook from the Midwest Plan Service is an excellent generic source of additional information on stored grain management. Ask your bin dealer for specifics on your equipment. 

Please keep in mind, your stored grain is like money in the bank, but only if it is properly cared for. Check your bins regularly to monitor grain condition and avoid losses.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.